Self-walking cane

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include canes and methods related thereto. In an embodiment, the invention includes a self-walking cane including a handle, a leg, and an articulating joint connecting the handle and the leg. Other embodiments are also included herein.

1 . A self-walking cane comprising:
 a handle,   a leg, and   an articulating joint connecting the handle and the leg.   
     
     
         2 . The self-walking cane of  claim 1 , wherein the articulating joint allows the leg to move in relation to the handle. 
     
     
         3 . The self-walking cane of  claim 2 , wherein the leg pivots up to 45 degrees with respect to the handle. 
     
     
         4 . The self-walking cane of  claim 2 , wherein the leg pivots between 10 and 25 degrees with respect to the handle. 
     
     
         5 . The self-walking cane of  claim 3 , the articulating joint comprising a pivot limiting mechanism that can be adjusted to limit the maximum angle that the leg pivots with respect to the handle. 
     
     
         6 . The self-walking cane of  claim 2 , wherein the leg can be moved in relation to the handle once a biasing force in the articulating joint is overcome. 
     
     
         7 . The self-walking cane of  claim 2 , wherein the biasing force is provided by a structure providing a spring force. 
     
     
         8 . The self-walking cane of  claim 7 , wherein the amount of spring force is variable based on the degree of pivoting of the leg with respect to the handle. 
     
     
         9 . The self-walking cane of  claim 7 , the structure comprising a spring. 
     
     
         10 . The self-walking cane of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch, the switch configured to prevent pivoting of the articulating joint when the switch is engaged. 
     
     
         11 . The self-walking cane of  claim 1 , wherein the leg is oval in cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . The self-walking cane of  claim 1 , further comprising a foot connected to the leg opposite the handle. 
     
     
         13 . The self-walking cane of  claim 12 , wherein the foot is configured to provide asymmetric compressibility from a leading side to a trailing side of the foot. 
     
     
         14 . The self-walking cane of  claim 12 , the foot exhibiting greater compressibility on the trailing side of the foot than on the leading side of the foot. 
     
     
         15 . The self-walking cane of  claim 12 , wherein the foot defines a cavity that is closed on the leading side of the foot and open on the trailing side of the foot. 
     
     
         16 . The self-walking cane of  claim 12 , wherein the foot has a C-shape in cross-section. 
     
     
         17 . The self-walking cane of  claim 1 , further comprising a support cuff, the support cuff defining a channel oriented substantially perpendicularly to the lengthwise axis of the handle. 
     
     
         18 . The self-walking cane of  claim 17 , the support cuff defining an aperture. 
     
     
         19 . The self-walking cane of  claim 17 , further comprising a support cuff pad attached to the support cuff 
     
     
         20 . The self-walking cane of  claim 19 , the support cuff pad comprising a plastically deformable material. 
     
     
         21 . The self-walking cane of  claim 1 , the handle comprising a projection extending forward beyond where the articulating joint connects the handle and the leg. 
     
     
         22 . The self-walking cane of  claim 21 , the projection having a length of between 0.25 and 3.0 inches.